Methods and apparatus for functional insert with power layer

ABSTRACT

This invention discloses a device comprising multiple functional layers formed on substrates, wherein at least one functional layer comprises an electrical energy source. In some embodiments, the present invention includes an insert for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses that has been formed by the stacking of multiple functionalized layers.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/454,591 filed Mar. 21, 2011, and entitled Methods and Apparatusfor Functional Insert with Power Layer, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF USE

This invention describes a functionalized insert for logic processingdevice formed from multiple functional layers which are stacked, whereinat least one layer includes a power source as well as, in someembodiments, methods and apparatus for the fabrication of an ophthalmiclens with a functionalized insert of multiple stacked layers.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally an ophthalmic device, such as a contact lens, anintraocular lens or a punctal plug included a biocompatible device witha corrective, cosmetic or therapeutic quality. A contact lens, forexample, may provide one or more of: vision correcting functionality;cosmetic enhancement; and therapeutic effects. Each function is providedby a physical characteristic of the lens. A design incorporating arefractive quality into a lens may provide a vision corrective function.A pigment incorporated into the lens may provide a cosmetic enhancement.An active agent incorporated into a lens may provide a therapeuticfunctionality. Such physical characteristics are accomplished withoutthe lens entering into an energized state. A punctal plug hastraditionally been a passive device.

More recently, it has been theorized that active components may beincorporated into a contact lens. Some components may includesemiconductor devices. Some examples have shown semiconductor devicesembedded in a contact lens placed upon animal eyes. It has also beendescribed how the active components may be energized and activated innumerous manners within the lens structure itself. The topology and sizeof the space defined by the lens structure creates a novel andchallenging environment for the definition of various functionality.Generally, such disclosures have included discrete devices. However, thesize and power requirements for available discrete devices are notnecessarily conducive for inclusion in a device to be worn on a humaneye.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention includes designs of components thatmay be combined to form a stacked layer of substrates combined into adiscrete package. The stacked layers will include one or more layerswhich include a power source for at least one component included in thestacked layers. In some embodiments, an insert is provided that may beenergized and incorporated into an ophthalmic device. The insert may beformed of multiple layers which may have unique functionality for eachlayer; or alternatively mixed functionality but in multiple layers. Thelayers may in some embodiments have layers dedicated to the energizationof the product or the activation of the product or for control offunctional components within the lens body. In addition, methods andapparatus for forming an ophthalmic lens, with inserts of stackedfunctionalized layers are presented.

In some embodiments, the insert may contain a layer in an energizedstate which is capable of powering a component capable of drawing acurrent. Components may include, for example, one or more of: a variableoptic lens element, and a semiconductor device, which may either belocated in the stacked layer insert or otherwise connected to it.

In another aspect, some embodiments may include a cast molded siliconehydrogel contact lens with a rigid or formable insert of stackedfunctionalized layers contained within the ophthalmic lens in abiocompatible fashion, wherein at least one of the functionalized lensincludes a power source.

Accordingly, the present invention includes a disclosure of anophthalmic lens with a stacked functionalized layer portion, apparatusfor forming an ophthalmic lens with a stacked functionalized layerportion and methods for the same. An insert may be formed from multiplelayers in various manners as discussed herein and the insert may beplaced in proximity to one, or both of, a first mold part and a secondmold part. A reactive monomer mix is placed between the first mold partand the second mold part. The first mold part is positioned proximate tothe second mold part thereby forming a lens cavity with the energizedsubstrate insert and at least some of the reactive monomer mix in thelens cavity; the reactive monomer mix is exposed to actinic radiation toform an ophthalmic lens. Lenses may be formed via the control of actinicradiation to which the reactive monomer mixture is exposed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of some embodiments of a power sourcelayer.

FIG. 2 illustrates some exemplary embodiments of form factor for a wirebased power source.

FIG. 3 illustrates a three dimensional representation of an insertformed of stacked functional layers which is incorporated within anophthalmic lens mold part.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional representation of an ophthalmiclens mold part with an insert.

FIG. 5 demonstrates an exemplary embodiment of an insert comprisingmultiple stacked functional layers upon a supporting and aligningstructure.

FIG. 6 illustrates different shapes and embodiments of the componentsused for forming layers in a stacked functional layer insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a substrate insert device formed throughthe stacking of multiple functionalized layers. Additionally the presentinvention includes methods and apparatus for manufacturing an ophthalmiclens with such a stacked functionalized layer substrate as an insert inthe formed lens. In addition, some embodiments of the present inventioninclude an ophthalmic lens with a stacked functionalized layer substrateinsert incorporated into the ophthalmic lens.

In the following sections detailed descriptions of embodiments of theinvention will be given. The description of both preferred andalternative embodiments are exemplary embodiments only, and it isunderstood that to those skilled in the art that variations,modifications and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to beunderstood that said exemplary embodiments do not limit the scope of theunderlying invention.

GLOSSARY

In this description and claims directed to the presented invention,various terms may be used for which the following definitions willapply:

Energized: as used herein refers to the state of being able to supplyelectrical current to or to have electrical energy stored within.

Energy: as used herein refers to the capacity of a physical system to dowork. Many uses within this invention may relate to the said capacitybeing able to perform electrical actions in doing work.

Energy Source: as used herein refers to device or layer which is capableof supplying Energy or placing a logical or electrical device in anEnergized state.

Energy Harvesters: as used herein refers to device capable of extractingenergy from the environment and convert it to electrical energy.

Functionalized: as used herein refers to making a layer or device ableto perform a function including for example, energization, activation,or control.

Lens: refers to any ophthalmic device that resides in or on the eye.These devices may provide optical correction or may be cosmetic. Forexample, the term lens may refer to a contact lens, intraocular lens,overlay lens, ocular insert, optical insert or other similar devicethrough which vision is corrected or modified, or through which eyephysiology is cosmetically enhanced (e.g. iris color) without impedingvision. In some embodiments, the preferred lenses of the invention aresoft contact lenses are made from silicone elastomers or hydrogels,which include but are not limited to silicone hydrogels, andfluorohydrogels.

Lens forming mixture or “Reactive Mixture” or “RMM” (reactive monomermixture): as used herein refers to a monomer or prepolymer materialwhich may be cured and crosslinked or crosslinked to form an ophthalmiclens. Various embodiments may include lens forming mixtures with one ormore additives such as: UV blockers, tints, photoinitiators orcatalysts, and other additives one might desire in an ophthalmic lensessuch as, contact or intraocular lenses.

Lithium Ion Cell: refers to an electrochemical cell where Lithium ionsmove through the cell to generate electrical energy. Thiselectrochemical cell, typically called a battery, may be reenergized orrecharged in its typical forms.

Substrate insert: as used herein refers to a formable or rigid substratecapable of supporting an Energy Source within an ophthalmic lens. Insome embodiments, the Substrate insert also supports one or morecomponents.

Mold: refers to a rigid or semi-rigid object that may be used to formlenses from uncured formulations. Some preferred molds include two moldparts forming a front curve mold part and a back curve mold part.

Optical Zone: as used herein refers to an area of an ophthalmic lensthrough which a wearer of the ophthalmic lens sees.

Power: as used herein refers to work done or energy transferred per unitof time.

Rechargeable or Re-energizable: as used herein refers to a capability ofbeing restored to a state with higher capacity to do work. Many useswithin this invention may relate to the capability of being restoredwith the ability to flow electrical current at a certain rate for acertain, reestablished time period.

Reenergize or Recharge: To restore to a state with higher capacity to dowork. Many uses within this invention may relate to restoring a deviceto the capability to flow electrical current at a certain rate for acertain, reestablished time period.

Released from a mold: means that a lens is either completely separatedfrom the mold, or is only loosely attached so that it may be removedwith mild agitation or pushed off with a swab.

Stacked: as used herein means to place at least two component layers inproximity to each other such that at least a portion of one surface ofone of the layers contacts a first surface of a second layer. In someembodiments, a film, whether for adhesion or other functions may residebetween the two layers that are in contact with each other through saidfilm.

DESCRIPTION Powered Layers

Referring now to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, one or more layers of afunctionalized stack of substrates may include a thin film electricalpower source 100. The thin electrical power source may be viewedessentially as a battery on a substrate.

A thin film battery (sometimes referred to as a TFB) may be structuredon a suitable substrate, such as silicon, using known depositionprocesses. Deposition may include, for example, sputter deposition andmay be used to deposit various materials using one or more of maskingand material removal techniques.

A wide variety of different materials have been studied and arepossible. In some applications, such as for example, die stack and anophthalmic device; a preferable substrate includes one that is able towithstand 800 deg. C. without chemical change. In another aspect, apreferable substrate may be insulating. Optionally, the substrate mayhave vias that interconnect current collectors from a top side of thedevice to a bottom side.

A TFB according to the present invention will preferably be enclosed ina packaging to prevent ingress of one or more of: oxygen, moisture othergasses or liquids. Preferred embodiments may therefore include packagingin one or more layers wherein the packaging may include one or more ofan insulative (e.g. parylene) and impermeable layer (e.g. metals,aluminum, titanium, etc.). Layers may be applied by deposition over aTFB device.

Preferably interconnects remain accessible to electrical communicationoutside the package. In some embodiments, electrical communication mayinclude a conductive path. In other embodiments, electricalcommunication may include a wireless transport of energy, such as via aradio frequency or light wavelength.

Other methods include applying organic materials (e.g. epoxy) inconjunction with pre-shaped impermeable materials (e.g. the next layerof the die stack, or a precision formed/cut glass, alumina, or siliconcover layer.

Wire Formed Power Source

Referring now to FIG. 2A, an exemplary design of some embodiments of apower source which includes a battery formed about a conductive wire.Preferably the battery will include a high aspect ratio wire battery.

In some embodiments, a fine gauge copper wire may be used as a support.Various battery component layers may be built up using batch orcontinuous wire coating processes. In this manner, a very highvolumetric efficiency (>60%) of active battery materials can be achievedin a convenient form factor that is flexible. In some embodiments, athin wire may be utilized to form small batteries, such as, for example,a battery in a range measured by Milliamp hours. Voltage capacities maybe targeted to be approximately 1.5 volts, direct current. Largerbatteries and higher voltages may also be scaled and are within thescope of the present invention.

Typically, a wire formed battery provides a significant improvement(˜40× or more) over an incumbent thin film 6-pack.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a method is illustrated for forming someembodiments of a wire based battery. A copper wire of high purity suchas those available from commercial source, such as McMaster Carr Corp.may be used coated with one or more layers.

In some embodiments, a zinc anode coating may be formulated from zincmetal powder, polymer binders, solvents, and additives. The coating maybe applied and immediately dried. Multiple passes of the same coatingmay be used to achieve the desired thickness.

A separator coating may be formulated from non-conductive fillerparticles, polymer binders, solvents, and additives. Application methodmay be the same.

A silver oxide cathode coating may be formulated from Ag2O powder,graphite, polymer binders, solvents, and additives. Application methodmay be the same.

The wire battery may be coated with current collector (e.g. carbonconductive adhesive, silver conductive adhesive, or the like).

Electrolyte (potassium hydroxide solution with additives) may be appliedto the finished battery to complete construction.

The cell should remain “open” (i.e. non-hermetic) so as to allow anyevolved gases to safely leave. Silicone or fluoropolymer coatings may beused to protect the battery from mechanical damage, and to containliquid electrolyte within.

The battery may have an open circuit voltage of ˜1.5 V or greater.

Referring now to FIG. 3 a three dimensional representation isillustrated of some embodiments of a fully formed ophthalmic lens usinga stacked layer substrate insert of the time in item 210 is demonstratedas item 300. The representation shows a partial cut out from theophthalmic lens to realize the different layers present inside thedevice. Item 320 shows the body material in cross section of theencapsulating layers of the substrate insert. This item surrounds theentire periphery of the ophthalmic lens. It may be clear to one skilledin the arts that the actual insert may comprise a full annular ring orother shapes that still may reside within the constraints of the size ofa typical ophthalmic lens.

Items 330, 331 and 332 are meant to illustrate three of numerous layersthat may be found in a substrate insert formed as a stack of functionallayers. In some embodiments, a single layer may include one or more of:active and passive components and portions with structural, electricalor physical properties conducive to a particular purpose.

In some embodiments, a layer 330 may include an energization source,such as, for example, one or more of: a battery, a capacitor and areceiver within the layer 330. Item 331 then, in a non limitingexemplary sense may comprise microcircuitry in a layer that detectsactuation signals for the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, a powerregulation layer 332, may be included that is capable of receiving powerfrom external sources, charges the battery layer 330 and controls theuse of battery power from layer 330 when the lens is not in a chargingenvironment. The power regulation may also control signals to anexemplary active lens, demonstrated as item 310 in the center annularcutout of the substrate insert.

An energized lens with an embedded Substrate insert may include anEnergy Source, such as an electrochemical cell or battery as the storagemeans for the energy and in some embodiments, encapsulation andisolation of the materials comprising the Energy Source from anenvironment into which an ophthalmic lens is placed.

In some embodiments, a Substrate insert also includes a pattern ofcircuitry, components and Energy Sources. Various embodiments mayinclude the Substrate insert locating the pattern of circuitry,components and Energy Sources around a periphery of an optic zonethrough which a wearer of a lens would see, while other embodiments mayinclude a pattern of circuitry, components and Energy Sources which aresmall enough to not adversely affect the sight of a contact lens wearerand therefore the Substrate insert may locate them within, or exteriorto, an optical zone.

In general, according to these embodiments previously described, aSubstrate insert 111 is embodied within an ophthalmic lens viaautomation which places an Energy Source a desired location relative toa mold part used to fashion the lens.

FIG. 4 illustrates a closer view of some embodiments of a stackedfunctional layer insert 400 seen in cross section. Within the body ofthe ophthalmic lens 410 is embedded the functionalized layer insert 420which surrounds and connects to an active lens component 450, in someembodiments. It may be clear to one skilled in the arts, that thisexample shows but one of numerous embodiments of embedded function thatmay be placed within an ophthalmic lens.

Within the stacked layer portion of the insert are demonstrated numerouslayers. In some embodiments the layers may comprise multiplesemiconductor based layers. For example, item 440, the bottom layer inthe stack, may be a thinned silicon layer upon which circuits have beendefined for various functions. Another thinned silicon layer may befound in the stack as item 441. In a non-limiting example, such a layermay have the function of energization of the device. These siliconlayers will in some embodiments be electrically isolated from each otherthrough an intervening insulator layer show as item 450. The portions ofthe surface layers of items 440, 450 and 441 that overlap each other maybe adhered to each other through the use of a thin film of adhesive. Itmay be obvious to one skilled in the arts that numerous adhesives mayhave the desired characteristics to adhere and passivate the thinsilicon layers to the insulator, as in an exemplary sense an epoxymight.

A multiple stacked layer may include additional layers 442, which in annon limiting example may include a thinned silicon layer with circuitrycapable of activating and controlling an active lens component. Asmentioned before, when the stacked layers need to be electricallyisolated from each other, stacked insulator layers may be includedbetween the electrically active layer and in this example item 451 mayrepresent this insulator layer comprising part of the stacked layerinsert. In some of the examples described herein, reference has beenmade to layers formed from thin layers of silicon. The general art maybe extended to different embodiments where the material definitions ofthe thin stacked layers include, in a non limiting sense, othersemiconductors, metals or composite layers. And the function of the thinlayers may include electrical circuitry, but also may include otherfunctions like signal reception, energy handling and storage and energyreception to mention a few examples. In embodiments with differentmaterial types, the choice of different adhesives, encapsulants andother materials which interact with the stacked layers may be required.In an example embodiment, a thin layer of epoxy may adhere three siliconlayers shown as 440, 441 and 442 with two silicon oxide layers 450 and451.

As mentioned in some of the examples the thinned stacked layer maycomprise circuits formed into silicon layers. There may be numerousmanners to fabricate such layers, however, standard and state of the artsemiconductor processing equipment may form electronic circuits onsilicon wafers using generic processing steps. After the circuits areformed into the appropriate locations on the silicon wafers, waferprocessing equipment may be used to thin the wafers from hundreds ofmicrons thick to thicknesses of 50 microns or less. After thinning thesilicon circuits may be cut or “diced” from the wafer into theappropriate shapes for the ophthalmic lens or other application. Inlater section, different exemplary shapes of the stacked layer inventiondisclosed herein are shown in FIG. 6. These will be discussed in detaillater; however, the “dicing” operation may use various technical optionsto cut out thin layers with curved, circular, annular, rectilinear andother more complicated shapes.

When the stacked layers perform a function relating to electricalcurrent flow, in some embodiments, there may be a need to provideelectrical contact between the stacked layers. In the general field ofsemiconductor packaging this electrical connection between stackedlayers has generic solutions comprising wire bonding, solder bumping andwire deposition processes. Some embodiments of wire deposition may useprinting process where electrically conductive inks are printed betweentwo connection pads. In other embodiments, wires may be physicallydefined by an energy source, like for example a laser, interacting witha gaseous, liquid or solid chemical intermediate resulting in anelectrical connection where the energy source irradiates. Still furtherinterconnection definition embodiments may derive from photolithographicprocessing before or after metal films are deposited by various means.

In the invention herein, if one or more of the layers needs tocommunicate electrical signals outside itself, it may have a metalcontact pad that is not covered with passivating and insulating layers.In many embodiments these pads would be located on the periphery of thelayer where subsequent stacked layers do not cover the region. In anexample of this type of embodiment, in FIG. 4 interconnect wires 430 and431 are demonstrated as electrically connecting peripheral regions oflayers 440, 441 and 442. It may be apparent to one skilled in the artthat numerous layouts or designs of where the electrical connection padsare located and the manner of electrically connecting various padstogether. Furthermore, it may be apparent that different circuit designsmay derive from the choice of which electrical connect pads areconnected and to which other pads they are connected. Still further, thefunction of the wire interconnection between pads may be different indifferent embodiments including the functions of electrical signalconnection, electrical signal reception from external sources,electrical power connection and mechanical stabilization to mention afew examples.

In a previous discussion, it was presented that non semiconductor layersmay comprise one or more of the stacked layers in the inventive art. Itmay be apparent that there could be a great diversity of applicationswhich may derive from nonsemiconductor layers. In some embodiments, thelayers may define energizing sources like batteries. This type of layerin some cases may have a semiconductor acting as the supportingsubstrate for the chemical layers, or in other embodiments may havemetallic or insulating substrates. Other layers may derive from layerswhich are primarily metallic in nature. These layers may defineantennas, thermal conductive paths, or other functions. There may benumerous combinations of semiconducting and non semiconducting layersthat comprise useful application within the spirit of the inventive artherein.

In some embodiments where electrical connection is made between stackedlayers the electrical connection will need to be sealed after connectionis defined. There are numerous methods that may be consistent with theart herein. For example, the epoxy or other adherent materials used tohold the various stacked layers together could be reapplied to theregions with electrical interconnect. Additionally, passivation filmsmay, in some embodiments, be deposited across the entire device toencapsulate the regions that were used for interconnection. It may beapparent to one skilled in the art that numerous encapsulating andsealing schemes may be useful within this art to protect, strengthen andseal the stacked layer device and its interconnections andinterconnection regions.

Assembling Stacked Functionalized Layer Inserts

Proceeding to FIG. 5, item 500, a close up view of an exemplaryapparatus to assemble stacked functionalized layer inserts isdemonstrated. In the example, a stacking technique where the stackedlayers do not align on either side of the layer is shown. Items 440, 441and 442 again may be silicon layers. On the right side of the Fig. itmay be seen that the right side edge of the items 440, 441 and 442 donot align with each other, as they may in alternative embodiments. Sucha stacking methodology may allow the insert to assume a threedimensional shape similar to that of the general profile of anophthalmic lens. In some embodiments as well, such a stacking techniquemay allow for the layers to be made from the largest surface area aspossible. In layers that are functional for energy storage and circuitrysuch surface area maximization may be important.

In general many of the features of the previously described stackedinserts may be observed in FIG. 5 including stacked functional layers440, 441 and 442; stacked insulating layers 450 and 451; andinterconnections 430 and 431. Additionally a supporting jig, item 510,may be observed to support the stacked functionalized layer insert as itis being assembled. It may be apparent that the surface profile of item510 may assume a large number of shapes which will change the threedimensional shape of inserts made thereon.

In general, a jig 510 may be provided with a predetermined shape. It maybe coated with different layers, item 520, for a number of purposes. Ina non limiting exemplary sense, the coating may first comprise a polymerlayer that will allow easy incorporation of an insert into the basematerial of an ophthalmic lens, and may even be formed from apolysilicone material in some embodiments. An epoxy coating may then bedeposited upon the polysilicone coating to adhere the bottom thinfunctional layer 440 to the coating 520. The bottom surface of a nextinsulating layer 450 may then be coated with a similar epoxy coating andthen placed into its appropriate location upon the jig. It may be clearthat the jig may in some embodiments have the function of aligning thecorrect placement of the stacked layers relative to each other as thedevice is assembled. In repetitious fashion, the rest of the insert maythen be assembled, the interconnections defined and then the insertencapsulated. In some embodiments, the encapsulated insert may then becoated from the top with a polysilicone coating. In some embodimentsthat use a polysilicone coating for item 520, the assembled insert maybe dissociated from the jig 510 by hydration of the polysiliconecoating.

The jig 510 may be formed from numerous materials. In some embodiments,the jig may be formed and made of similar materials that are used tomake molding pieces in the manufacture of standard contact lenses. Sucha use could support the flexible formation of various jig types fordifferent insert shapes and designs. In other embodiments the jig may beformed from materials that either in their own right or with specialcoatings will not adhere to the chemical mixtures used to adhere thedifferent layers to each other. It may be apparent that numerous optionsmay exist for the configuration of such a jig.

Another aspect of the jig demonstrated as item 510 is the fact that itsshape physically supports the layers upon it. In some embodiments theinterconnection between the layers may be formed by wirebondingconnection. In the process of wirebonding significant force is appliedthe wire to ensure it forms a good bond. Structural support of thelayers during such bonding could be important and could be performed bythe supporting jig 510.

Still another function of the jig demonstrated as item 510 is that thejig may have alignment features on it that allow for the alignment ofpieces of the functionalized layers to be aligned both relative to eachother linearly and radially along the surfaces. In some embodiments, thejig may allow the alignment of azimutal angle of the functional layersrelative to each other around a center point. Regardless of the ultimateshape of the insert produced it may be apparent that the assembly jibmay be useful in insuring that the pieces of the insert are properlyaligned for their function and correct interconnection.

Proceeding to FIG. 6, a more generalized discussion of shapes of stackedlayer inserts may be had. In a subset of the generality of shapesconsistent with the art, some sample variation in shape is shown. Forexample, item 610 shows a top view of a stacked insert which has beenformed from essentially circular layer pieces. In some embodiments, theregion shown with cross hatching 611 may be an annular region wherelayer material has been removed. However, in other embodiments, it maybe apparent that the pieces of the stacked layers used form the insertcould be disks without an annular region. Although, such a non annularinsert shape may be of limited utility in an ophthalmic application thespirit of the inventive art herein is not intended to be limited by thepresence of an internal annulus.

Item 620 may in some embodiments demonstrate different embodiments of astacked functional layer insert. As shown in item 621, in someembodiments the layer pieces may be discrete not only in the stackingdirection but also around the azimuthal direction perpendicular to thestacking direction. In some embodiments, semicircular pieces may be usedto form the insert. It may be apparent that in shapes that have anannular region, which partial shapes could be useful to reduce theamount of material that would need to be “diced” or cut out after thelayer material is formed into its function.

Proceeding further, item 630 demonstrates that non radial, nonelliptical and non circular insert shapes could be defined. As shown initem 630, rectilinear shapes may be formed, or as in item 640 otherpolygonal shapes. In a three dimensional perspective pyramids, cones andother geometrical shapes could result from the different shapes of theindividual layer pieces used to form the insert. In a more general senseit may be apparent to one skilled in the arts that a vast diversity ofshapes may be formed into shapes and products to make o discuss the moregeneral case of shapes that may be made with the functionality,energization, activation etc. . . .

CONCLUSION

The present invention, as described above and as further defined by theclaims below, provides devices and methods for stacked functional layerinserts and apparatus for implementing such methods, as well asophthalmic lenses formed including the stacked layers.

1. A stacked functionalized layer device comprising: a first thin layersubstrate comprising an energy source; a first adhesive film upon afirst surface of the first thin layer; and a second thin layer shapedinto a circular annulus with an external radius smaller than that of thefirst layer.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein: the second thin layercomprises a semiconductor substrate with electronic circuitry inproximity to its first surface.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein: thefirst thin layer comprises a substrate with layers comprising anelectrochemical energizing component.
 4. The device of claim 2additionally comprising a wire based power source in electricalcommunication with the electronic circuitry.
 5. The device of claim 4additionally comprising an encapsulation comprising parylene.
 6. Thedevice of claim 4 additionally comprising an encapsulation comprisingone or more metals.
 7. The device of claim 6 additionally wherein theone or more metals comprises one or both of: aluminum and titanium 8.The device of claim 6 additionally comprising an encapsulationcomprising a polysilicone based polymer.
 9. An ophthalmic lenscomprising a silicon substrate insert comprising stacked electricallyfunctional layers, wherein at least one of the functional layerscomprises an electrical energy source; and a polymeric lens form inwhich the substrate insert is embedded.
 10. The ophthalmic lens of claim9 wherein: The electrical energy source comprises at least one layerwithin the substrate insert comprising one or more electrochemicalcells.
 11. The ophthalmic lens of claim 10 wherein: at least one layerwithin the substrate insert comprises a semiconductor layer withelectronic circuitry capable to control electric current flow from theelectrochemical cells.
 12. The ophthalmic lens of claim 11 wherein: theelectronic circuitry is electrically connected to an electroactive lenscomponent within the lens.
 13. The ophthalmic lens of claim 10additional comprising an electroactive lens.
 14. The ophthalmic lens ofclaim 13 additionally comprising a metallic layer which functions as anantenna.